Category: tranquilosophy

As we head into the depths of the holidays and the shortest day of the year, let’s make time to connect within and with nature.

Enjoy a long afternoon walk. Stargaze. Put up bird feeders and keep them stocked. Make a pot of soup. Light a fire to create warmth for the longest night. Build a snowman. Ice skate. Collect pine cones to make scented pine cones. Volunteer. Sip hot cocoa by a campfire. Moisturize. Catch up on Tranquility du Jour podcasts. Schedule down time. Light candles. Try a 24-hour digital detox. Soak in the tub. Journal. Pledge to do good this winter. Reflect on your year. Practice kindness. Get crafty and create handmade gifts. Watch this 1-hour video on ways to make your holidays less harried.

May your days be merry as they get brighter and brighter! You are beautiful. Bisous. x

There is no perfection, only beautiful versions of brokenness.—Shannon L. Alder

Over the past few weeks I’ve said goodbye to many things—a business I nurtured for 18 years, a therapy job and dear clients at a downtown center, a beloved neighborhood cat whose meow has been replaced with a shrine, and an office I’ve used since launching private practice. And these are just the ones at the top of my mind as I pen this post.

When I consider these changes, I’m reminded that change is the one constant in our lives and the ability to weather these shifts is what truly leads to everyday tranquility.

Sure, being surrounded by tranquility tools such as journals, cups of tea, flowers, books, and loved ones is divine, but those not-so-tranquil moments in between is when we’re tested and, ultimately, can grow.

For nearly two decades I’ve written about tranquility and shared numerous ways to find it in every day here on the blog, in the podcast, through books, and on retreats. Yet I’m learning that my ability to maintain a sense of tranquility is best when it’s not dependent on outside circumstances since they are constantly in flux.

I believe that what matters most is having a sense of tranquility deep within. A self-compassionate spirit that speaks kindly to oneself when under pressure and whispers a gentle, “bless your heart.”

I believe everyday tranquility is found through tiny pauses in between. For example, before diving into projects and seeing clients, I started today with a soak in the tub. Between clients and a meeting, I stopped into a local salad shop for a spinach, arugula, watermelon, and peach salad. As I type this, I’m sipping a green juice and facing the window to savor natural light. After seeing clients tonight, I’ll meet up with a girlfriend to see the Thich Nhat Hahn film, Walk With Me.

Sure, these are small every day sort of things, but they contribute to feeling grounded while the world whirls around me.

Life is not perfect. Change is hard. Loss stings. Flat surfaces in my home (such as those shown in these photos) are often covered with a thin layer of black pet hair and I eat too much sugar. As the above quote notes, “There is no perfection, only beautiful versions of brokenness.”

I believe everyday tranquility is found in our imperfection. Embrace what makes you uniquely you. Find your own voice. Live out loud and don’t apologize.

Giveaway: Share a takeaway from today’s post in the comments section below by Sunday, September 17 noon ET11:59pm for a chance to win a free copy of Field Guide to Everyday Magic. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents. International participants are eligible to receive a free digital edition of Bella Grace. The winner will be chosen randomly and announced here on Sunday evening. Good luck!

On Wednesday, September 6, past and present Tranquil Space team members gathered to celebrate the co-creation of our special community. The evening was magical and these photos are an assortment of sweet moments. More images can be found here.

Tears flowed, along with hugs and belly laughs throughout the evening as we shared how much the studio has meant over the past 18 years.

This Maya Angelou quote embodies the studio’s ethos: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” To our community far and wide, thank YOU for making me and thousands of others feel SO loved!

As J.M. Barrie said, “Never say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting.” This transition is so not goodbye. It’s a new chapter for the studio and community to blossom. Playing a part in planting and nourishing this seedling has been my greatest honor. Bisous. x